5 Easy Ways to Compress Video with VLC Free, No Quality Loss

Videos have become a primary mode of entertainment in our daily life. However, high-definition videos also come with large file sizes. These bulky files can cause slow downloads, eat up storage space, and even lead to sharing issues. Thankfully, tools like VLC media player can help reduce video size. Most recognize VLC as a versatile media player. Beyond playing almost any video format you throw at it, VLC also comes with utilities for compressing, downloading, etc.

So can VLC compress video? How to compress video with VLC? This article introduces five easy ways to compress video with VLC. You'll also find some tips for better video quality and a simple yet superior video compressor. So please keep reading.

5 Easy Ways to Compress Video with VLC Without Quality Loss

When we talk about compressing video, we are talking about reducing the video size, which is jointly determined by many factors. VLC provides settings to change these factors and thereby reduce video size. So in the following content, we'll show you the detailed steps to adjust these parameters and compress video using VLC.

Way 1. Compress Video with VLC by Downscaling Video Resolution

Video resolution refers to the number of distinct pixels. The more pixels you have, the more data your video file contains, leading to larger video size. So you can naturally shrink video with VLC by downscaling the video. The price is some data loss. Say you want to convert 4K to 1080p to compress a 4K video. Here's how.

Step 1. Launch VLC media player.

Step 2. Go to Media > Convert / Save from the menu bar.

Step 3. Drag your video to the pop-up Open Media dialog box. Then click the Convert / Save button in the lower right corner.

Step 4. Select Video for MPEG4 1080p TV/device from the Profile list.

Step 5. Set the Destination file name and save path.

Step 6. Click Start to let VLC compress video.

Way 2. Compress Video with VLC by Converting Video Codec Format

Video codec plays a pivotal role in determining video size. Simply put, different codecs have varying levels of bitrate management and compression efficiency. For example, compared to H.264, HEVC offers 25%-50% better data compression at the same level of video quality. So to compress 4K videos, the most efficient way is probably changing the encoding format based on compatibility considerations.

Step 1. Head to Media > Convert / Save.

Step 2. Add the video by dragging and dropping it into the program.

Step 3. Select a more efficient video codec in the Profile list like Video - H.265 + MP3 (MP4).

Step 4. Name your new file and set the save path.

Step 5. Click Start and begin the conversion.

Way 3. VLC Compress Video by Changing Video Encoding Parameters

Besides video codec, other encoding parameters such as frame rate and bit depth will also affect the video size. You can also compress the video by tweaking some of these settings in VLC. Let's say you want to compress MOV, follow the steps below to compress video VLC.

Step 1. Go to Media > Convert / Save, then add your video file to VLC.

Step 2. Select a profile such as MP4.

Step 3. Click the wrench icon to bring up the Profile edition box.

Step 4. Go to the Video codec tab and enter lower values in the Bitrate and Frame Rate fields.

Step 5. Click Save to exit. Then initiate the compression.

Way 4. Compress Video VLC by Changing Audio Encoding Parameters

The audio stream, subtitles, and other data in the video file will also affect the entire video size. That is, you can compress video by reducing audio quality, removing audio/subtitle streams, etc.

Step 1. Launch the Convert feature by clicking Media > Convert / Save and loading the video.

Step 2. Select a Profile and click the wrench icon.

Step 3. Go to the Audio codec tab.

Step 4. Lower the bitrate, sample rate and reduce the number of channels. Uncheck the audio box to remove all audio tracks if necessary.

Step 5. Save the changes and let VLC reduce video size.

Way 5. Compress Video with VLC by Trimming or Cutting

One of the most straightforward factors that affects the video size is its duration. The relationship between video duration and size is directly proportional. So obviously, you can compress a video with VLC by trimming or cropping out unwanted parts. Here's how.

Step 1. Open your video file by clicking Media > Open File > Open.

Step 2. Enable Advanced Controls under View in the menu bar. Then you'll see the Record button.

Step 3. Move the playback slider to where you want to start trimming.

Step 4. Click the Record button to start trimming.

Step 5. Click the Record button again to stop at the end point of your desired part.

Better VLC Video Compressor Alternative, Reduce up to 70%, No Quality Loss

Although VLC is a versatile video player with video compression utilities, the operation is actually cumbersome. A lot of functionality is hidden in deep directories. Novice users can easily get confused. That's why you need an easy-to-use VLC alternative for compressing videos, iTop Screen Recorder, a powerful screen recorder with compression utilities. 

Here are some highlight features of the VLC video compressor alternative:

• Free to Compress Videos, No Quality Loss: Unlike many tools that compromise video quality for compression, iTop Screen Recorder offers a zero-cost solution that retains video quality. You can compress the video size to 30%, 50%, or 70% of its original size in one click.
• Compress Videos in Fast Speed: Time is of the essence, especially when dealing with large video files. The amazing screen recorder is engineered for speed, ensuring to compress the video in several seconds, making it an ideal choice for those on tight schedules.
• Compress Video Files to Multiple Formats: Whether you need MP4, AVI, or any other popular format, iTop Screen Recorder got you covered. There is no need to worry about compatibility issues across devices and platforms.
• More Than a Video Compressor: Besides compression, iTop Screen Recorder offers various tools to meet your media-related needs. As the name suggests, it's a screen recorder Windows 10. Besides recording audio, screen, and webcam, it also lets you take hi-res screenshots. Editing and sharing videos are made easy with its built-in video editor.

How to Compress Video with VLC Alternative [3 Easy Steps]

Follow the steps below to compress video with the VLC alternative, iTop Screen Recorder.

Step 1. Download and install iTop Screen Recorder.

Step 2. Launch the program after installing it. Go to Tools > Compressor from the left menu bar. Then drag and drop the video file into the program.

Step 3. Select a compression level on the right side of the interface. Then you can click Compress to start the compression.

Compress Video with VLC Media Player FAQs

Q1: Can I Compress Video with VLC Media Player?

Yes, VLC Media Player offers a built-in feature that allows users to compress videos. Beyond its primary function as a media player, VLC provides tools to adjust various parameters, including the encoding format, bitrate, and resolution. That enables users to reduce video file sizes without needing additional software.

Q2: How Do I Reduce 1080P to 720P in VLC?

To reduce a video from 1080P to 720P in VLC, go to Media > Convert / Save from the menu bar. Add your video. Select Video for MPEG4 720p TV/device from the Profile drop-down list. Then you can click Start to convert 1080p to 720p.

Q3: Which software is best for video compression?

While VLC is a versatile tool, there are more dedicated software options for video compression. But considering the ease of use and output quality, the built-in video compressor of iTop Screen Recorder is one of the best choices.

The Bottom Line

VLC is far more than a media player. You can compress video with VLC in several ways. It provides settings to change video parameters and thereby compress the video. However, VLC has its limitations. iTop Screen recorder emerges as a better video compressor with online screen recorder. It offers multiple benefits like ease of use, zero cost, and rapid compression speeds. Download iTop Screen recorder now and experience seamless video compression!